Fractional Futures

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.
 
Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode

In this episode of Fractional Futures, Paul Mills interviews Margarita Mangino, a fractional CMO based in Uruguay. They discuss Margarita's journey into fractional leadership, the challenges she faced, and the importance of personal branding. Margarita shares insights on educating the market about fractional roles, the response from businesses in Uruguay, and the ideal client profiles for fractional CMOs. The conversation also touches on the hands-on nature of fractional work and offers advice for marketers considering a transition to this model. Finally, they explore the future of fractional leadership in Latin America.

Special Guest

Margarita Mangino, Fractional CMO & Founder Market Minds

Key Takeaways

• Margarita has over 20 years of experience in marketing and sales.
• The fractional model is gaining traction in Uruguay, especially in tech.
• Building a personal brand is crucial for success as a fractional leader.
• Educating clients about the difference between fractional and consultancy roles is essential.
• Margarita emphasizes the importance of networking to scale her business.
• The fractional model allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance.
• Companies with revenue below five million often benefit from fractional roles.
• Hands-on involvement in marketing is a key aspect of being a fractional CMO.
• Never stop marketing yourself, even when busy with clients.
• The future of fractional leadership looks promising in Latin America.

 
Sound Bites

"The hardest part is scale, is building your network."

"I'm a fractional CMO, I'm not a consultant."

"You can lead it from with less hours."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.
 
Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode

In this episode of Fractional Futures, Paul Mills speaks with Susan Findlater, a fractional CMO from Canada, about her journey into fractional leadership. Susan shares her background in growth and financial services, her discovery of the fractional model, and the challenges she faced transitioning to this new work style. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding fractional work, the state of fractional leadership in Canada, and the experiences of clients who have embraced this model. Susan also offers advice for senior marketers considering a shift to fractional work and shares her insights on the future of this growing trend.

Special Guest

Susan Findlater, Founder Susan Findlater Consulting

Key Takeaways

• Susan's background is primarily in growth and financial services.
• The fractional model appealed to Susan for its flexibility and work-life balance.
• Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for younger fractional leaders.
• Experience is gained through challenges, not just years worked.
• Canada is still in the early stages of adopting fractional leadership.
• Clients appreciate the fractional model for its cost-effectiveness and team integration.
• The tech sector is leading the way in adopting fractional roles.
• Misconceptions exist about the level of involvement of fractional leaders.
• Marketers must be proactive in managing their own business development.
• The fractional work model is expected to grow in popularity in the future.

Sound Bites

"I wanted to help them grow and flourish."

"Living life on your terms."

"Imposter syndrome is a big challenge."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.
 
Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode

In this episode of Fractional Futures, Paul Mills speaks with Marc Fletcher, a Fractional CMO based in South Africa. Marc shares his journey from corporate roles to fractional leadership, discussing the appeal of flexibility and the challenges faced during the transition. He emphasizes the importance of educating clients about the fractional model and the differences between fractional, interim, and consulting roles. The conversation also touches on the maturity of businesses in relation to hiring fractional leaders and offers advice for marketers considering a shift to fractional work. Marc concludes with insights on the future of fractional leadership and his current focus on helping SMEs in South Africa develop effective marketing strategies.
 

Special Guest

Marc Fletcher, Founder Hedley Sydney

Key Takeaways

• Marc Fletcher transitioned from corporate to fractional leadership.
• The fractional model is gaining traction in South Africa.
• Flexibility and problem-solving are key appeals of fractional work.
• Educating clients on the fractional model is essential.
• Marketing maturity impacts the need for fractional leaders.
• Fractional roles differ from traditional consulting roles.
• Marketers must understand the strategic value of marketing.
• Support networks are crucial for those transitioning to fractional work.
• The gig economy has paved the way for fractional leadership.
• Fractional leadership is likely to grow in the coming years.

 Sound Bites

• "It was remarkably easy to transition."
• "The grass isn't necessarily always greener."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode

In this episode of Fractional Futures, Paul Mills interviews Brooke Janousek, a fractional CMO, who shares her journey into the fractional leadership model. Brooke discusses her background in marketing, the challenges she faced transitioning to fractional work, and the misconceptions surrounding fractional roles. She emphasizes the importance of experience over age, the need for integration within client teams, and the growing acceptance of fractional leadership in various industries. Brooke also provides valuable advice for aspiring fractional marketers and CEOs considering hiring fractional leaders.

Special Guest
Brooke Janousek, Founder The Grow CMO

Key takeaways

•  Brooke transitioned to fractional work unexpectedly after being offered a consulting role.
• She faced personal challenges regarding her professional identity and boundaries.
• Financially, the fractional model can be feast or famine, requiring discipline in saving.
• Startups and emerging brands are increasingly embracing fractional CMOs.
• Misconceptions about fractional roles often stem from a lack of understanding of qualifications.
• Experience is more important than age when considering fractional leadership roles.
• Consultants typically focus on niche skills, while fractional leaders manage teams and strategy.
• Integration into client teams is crucial for fractional CMOs to be effective.
• Setting clear boundaries is essential for maintaining work-life balance as a fractional leader.
• The fractional leadership model is likely to remain relevant in the future.

Sound bites

 "I want to be friends with the CFO."

"I think it's here to stay."

"The opportunities are limitless."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode

In this episode, Paul Mills interviews Henning Schwinum, co-founder of Vendux and Be Fractional, discussing the evolution and acceptance of fractional leadership in the American business landscape. Henning shares his journey into the fractional space, the misconceptions surrounding fractional executives, and the growing acceptance of this model in various industries. He emphasizes the commitment of fractional executives and the future of this organizational model, as well as the mission of the Fractional Leadership Alliance to unify voices in the industry.

Special Guest
Henning Schwinum, Co-Founder Vendux; Co-Founder #befractional; Executive Director Fractional Leadership Alliance

Join the Fractional Leadership Alliance

Key takeaways

• Henning Schwinum transitioned to fractional leadership to affect change.
• Fractional roles are becoming more accepted in various industries.
• CFOs were the first to embrace fractional roles.
• Misconceptions about fractional executives often stem from traditional views.
• Fractional executives are often more committed than full-time hires.
• The Fractional Leadership Alliance aims to unify the industry voice.
• Fractional leadership can provide expertise without full-time costs.
• The future of fractional leadership looks promising across sectors.
• Education about fractional roles is still necessary in some markets.

Sound Bites

• "I wanted to build something."
• "The fractional model is here to stay."
• "The FLA is meant to address that void."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode…
Paul Mills interviews Zachary King, a Fractional VP Sales from Australia, who shares his journey into fractional leadership. Zac discusses his background in tech commercialization and startups, the challenges he faced transitioning to fractional work, and the importance of networking and client education. He emphasizes the value of the fractional model for startups and offers insights on managing client expectations, charging for services, and the future of fractional leadership. Zac also introduces the Fractional Exec Community he founded, a support network for those in the fractional space.

Special Guest
Zachary King, CEO & Co-Founder The Fractional Directory

Join the Fractional Exec Community www.thefractionalexec.com.au

Key takeaways

• Zachary King transitioned from startups to fractional leadership.
• The fractional model offers flexibility for professionals with families.
• Financial insecurity is a common challenge in fractional work.
• Networking and referrals are crucial for finding clients.
• Pro bono work can help build a portfolio and gain referrals.
• Educating clients about the fractional model is essential.
• Fractional leaders must integrate quickly into client teams.
• Retainer models are common in fractional engagements.
• Client value delivery is more important than time spent.
• The fractional leadership model is growing and evolving.

 Sound Bites

• "I'm doing this fractional thing."
• "Financial insecurity is real."
• "What is this fractional thing?"

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode…
Paul Mills interviews Sofiane Morouche, a fractional CMO based in Thailand. They discuss the fractional leadership model, its appeal, and the challenges faced by fractional leaders. Sofiane shares his journey from traditional marketing to becoming a fractional CMO, the misconceptions surrounding the model, and the importance of integrating into client organizations. He emphasizes the flexibility and strategic advantages of fractional leadership, as well as its potential for growth in the future.

Special Guest
Sofiane Morouche, Fractional CMO, Growth Connect Thailand

Learn more about Growth Connect https://growthconnect.io/

Key takeaways

• To be a fractional leader, you need prior leadership experience.
• The fractional model allows working with multiple clients simultaneously.
• Fractional leadership is still developing in Asia compared to the US.
• Clients need to be open-minded about the fractional model.
• Fractional CMOs focus on strategy, not execution.
• Integration into client organizations is crucial for success.
• The fractional model offers flexibility for experienced professionals.
• Companies need to be financially stable to hire fractional leaders.
• The future of fractional leadership looks promising post-pandemic.
• Curiosity and openness are key for business leaders considering fractional CMOs.

Sound Bites

• "You need to have a bit of background."
• "I started in traditional marketing."
• "I came across the concept of fractional leader."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode…

In this episode of Fractional Futures, Paul Mills interviews Michelle Allbon, a Fractional Chief Revenue Officer based in New Zealand. They discuss Michelle's journey into fractional leadership, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the current state of the fractional model in New Zealand compared to other regions. Michelle shares insights on the misconceptions surrounding fractional roles, the importance of understanding deliverables, and the future of fractional leadership as a sustainable work model. Additionally, they touch on the launch of the Fractional Directory, aimed at mapping and legitimizing the fractional community in New Zealand and beyond.

 
Special Guest
Michelle Allbon, CEO & Co-Founder The Fractional Directory

Learn more about the Fractional Directory https://www.fractional.co.nz/

Key takeaways

• Fractional leadership is often stumbled upon rather than planned.
• The fractional model allows for flexibility and work-life balance.
• New Zealand's fractional community is still in its early stages.
• Misconceptions about fractional roles can lead to mismatched expectations.
• Fractional leaders can deliver results in fewer hours than traditional roles.
• The demand for fractional leadership is growing post-COVID.
• Understanding deliverables is key to hiring fractional leaders.
• The fractional model is becoming more recognized globally.
• Technology integration is crucial for fractional leaders in all sectors.
• The future of work will likely include more fractional roles.

Sound Bites

• "I think it's a more stable way to build a career."
• "Fractional is just going to be what leadership is in the future."
• "It's a real de-risking model."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.
 
Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.


In this episode…

In this final episode of Season 1, Paul Mills and Dan Gwalter discuss common pitfalls associated with a portfolio career. They cover topics such as identifying growth traps, maintaining quality while scaling a service, financial management, planning for growth, and staying ahead of industry trends. Dan emphasizes the importance of finding time to build your brand and nurture relationships, rather than dedicating 100% of your time to one client. He also advises knowing your ideal client profile and being selective in order to avoid overcommitting. Paul and Dan also discuss the challenges of managing sustained growth and future-proofing your career in a competitive market.

Special Guest
Dan Gwalter, Founder No-Nonsense Leadership

Dan has kindly offered a complimentary 30 minute consultation to anyone who wants to know more about his fractional executive coaching service. You can book using this link.


Key Takeaways…

• Identify growth traps in a portfolio career and find time to build your brand and nurture relationships.
• Know your ideal client profile and be selective to avoid overcommitting.
• Maintain quality while scaling a service by prioritizing incumbent clients and developing processes to manage multiple clients simultaneously.
• Future-proof your career by creating value-based products, developing a safety net option for existing clients, and staying focused on your core offer.
• Stay ahead of industry trends by selectively pivoting and avoiding overloading your offering with too many skills and capabilities.

Sound Bites

• "You have to find time to build your brand, to nurture the existing relationships that you've created and to create new relationships."
• "Define your ideal customer in both directions, not just what they are, but what do they need and what does that mean for you?"
• "Your time is always best spent looking after incumbent clients because the cost of acquisition for new clients is so high."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us Fan Mail

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.
 
Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.


In this episode…

In this episode, Paul Mills  and dan Gwalter discuss the challenges faced by Fractional CMOs and how to navigate the personal transition when entering a portfolio career. They cover topics such as establishing credibility, building resilience, managing work-life balance, and the importance of sales and marketing skills. They emphasize the need for adaptability, learning from rejection, and finding support from others. They also discuss the integration of work and personal life and the importance of taking regular breaks and regrouping. The episode concludes with a discussion on mindset and the challenges of growth in fractional leadership.

Special Guest
Dan Gwalter, Founder No-Nonsense Leadership

Dan has kindly offered a complimentary 30 minute consultation to anyone who wants to know more about his fractional executive coaching service. You can book using this link.


Key Takeaways…

• Establishing credibility and building a brand takes time in the fractional landscape.
• Sales and marketing skills are essential for success in a portfolio career.
• Rejection is often a 'no, not now' rather than a permanent rejection.
• Finding support from others and seeking feedback is crucial for personal resilience.
• Work-life balance in a portfolio career requires integration and finding a blend that works for you.
• Taking breaks and regrouping is important for mental and physical well-being.
• Mindset plays a significant role in navigating the challenges of growth in fractional leadership.

Sound Bites

• "Establishing credibility and building a brand takes time in the fractional landscape."
• "Sales and marketing skills are essential for success in a portfolio career."
• "Rejection is often a 'no, not now' rather than a permanent rejection."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn 
• Watch the Episodes on YouTube
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.